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Dec 17, 2024
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2024-2025 Academic Bulletin
Occupational Therapy DScOT
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The Doctor of Science in Occupational Therapy (DScOT) prepares clinicians to be practice scholars who teach both in higher education and the clinic, to be leaders and agents of change in healthcare, and conduct applied research. This degree combines the scientific study of human occupation, in conjunction with education and leadership to create a holistic view of the relationship between occupations, occupational beings, health, and everyday life experiences. Most of the core courses are taken with other health professions students, creating a rich interdisciplinary perspective. The main focus of the program is to empower clinicians to become educators and leaders who integrate the science of occupational participation and engagement into communities, corporations, and academics. The overarching goal is to develop therapists who have a personal interest and commitment to the growth of the profession, research, and education.
The DScOT is an advanced degree uniquely designed to cater to the needs of master’s or doctoral trained occupational therapists. The curriculum is feasible for full-time or part-time students, allowing flexibility to meet each individual’s work/life balance needs. The program can be paced from 3 to 5 years. Graduates of the DScOT program are primed for teaching in a university setting, contributing to scholarly research, as well as leading the profession in evidence-based clinical practice.
Delivery: This program is delivered in an interactive online asynchronous format (see Global Campus definitions). Some required on-campus intensives are required for students entering with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Students are encouraged to come to campus for graduation.
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Total Credits - 45-64
Three track options are available and selected at the time of admission based on student’s educational background.
Degree Core - 38
Core courses required for either track.
Track 1: OTD to DScOT - 7
Track 1 is for students with an OTD degree, either entry-level or postprofessional.
Electives - 7
Chosen in consultation with faculty advisor from the following course prefixes: OTH, PTH, EDCI, EDAL, PBHL. All elective courses must be at least 600 level.
Track 2: BS to DScOT - 26
Track 2 is for students with a Bachelor’s degree from an ACOTE accredited institution.
Track 3: MS to DScOT - 17
Track 3 is for students with a Master’s degree from an ACOTE accredited institution or a Bachelor’s degree from an ACOTE accredited institution and a Master’s degree in a related field.
Additional Requirements
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00.
- No grade lower than “C” (2.00) in any course.
- A minimum of 80% of credits must be taken at regular tuition for degree conferral.
- Successful completion of the dissertation project, including defense.
- Satisfactory completion of the graduate exit survey.
Admission Requirements
In order to apply to the program, the applicant must have:
- Graduated from an Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) or World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT) accredited occupational therapy program with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy must have graduated with a master’s degree in a related field with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA.
- A current license to practice occupational therapy.
- A minimum of two years practicing as a full-time occupational therapist.
Applicants must also submit three letters of recommendation addressing their leadership capacity, ability to complete doctoral level work, and ability to work collaboratively towards a common goal. The following are a list of potential references:
- Practicing or retired occupational therapist
- Current supervisor
- Professor
- Current or previous colleague
*At least one letter of recommendation must be from a practicing/retired occupational therapist.
Additional items to be submitted:
- Current Curriculum Vitae
- Letter of professional summary (1000-word maximum) outlining applicant’s
- professional goals,
- potential as a leader,
- past experiences that support their pursuit of this degree,
- area of interest, and
- planned use of the degree to further the profession and change the area of healthcare or education for the better.
- All transcripts from applicant’s post-secondary education verifying applicant’s bachelor’s and master’s degree and any other post-graduate credits completed. All transcripts must be received directly from the college or university issuing the transcript.
- Copy of current occupational therapist license, certification from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, and any specialty certificates, if applicable.
- If English is not applicant’s first language, applicant must submit score reports from either the iBTOEFL with a minimum score of 80 or the IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5.
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